Biota Bonsai Coral Beauty Angels

[Half Vaped]

I just picked up one for these from DD for my 40 Breeder. The only info I found was in this forum stating that they max out at 1.5 inches.

Do they originate from a wild phenotype or is it produced fully from selective breeding? How exactly does Biota separate them from the normal CBs? Do they all have midget parents? Should I expect them to have the same care and longevity as a normal sized CB?

 

[Nick_Northern]

Is it actually billed as a miniature coral beauty? I haven't heard of these but I do have a regular Biota coral beauty which came in at around 1" but in six months has filled out drastically and is now around 2.5"

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[Half Vaped]

Yeah, last night DD released both a regular Biota CB and the Biota "Bonsai" CB that I picked up. I thought there would be more info on Google about someone making a line of Nano Angels.

My Blemished Bonsai CB

 

[Half Vaped]

This is the regular CB

 

[Nick_Northern]

cool, i notice it still says 4" max size though on the stats, it is suprising that there is no info online about the bonsai, makes me wonder if its legit or not? either way you can't go wrong with the biota beautys, colours are great and mine hasnt snacked on any of my corals as yet

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[ca1ore]

Meh, sounds like marketing hyperbole to me. Cool that they're breeding/raising, but enough with the silly name please.

 

[Half Vaped]

Meh, sounds like marketing hyperbole to me. Cool that they're breeding/raising, but enough with the silly name please.

You don't think the Bonsai CB is actually a different line? Even if they stay the size of maybe Cherub or Flameback Angels it would be a win. I'd be a little disappointed if it grows the same size as a normal CB, but it should do fine in my tank regardless.

 

[ca1ore]

Is it possible, certainly; likely, noop! Time will tell I suppose.

 

[TerrapinStation]

I picked up a trio of biota cb's awhile back. I honestly don't remember if they were bonsai or not but I don't recall anything about them being smaller. I figured getting them that young would increase the chances of keeping them as a trio long-term. Cute fish - excited to see them in the display.

 

[OrionN]

Well when I raised clown fish, there are a few that does not grow. I even keep one and he never get very big. I am sure this is the type of fish you get. I am not sure if they have time to grow these small one up and then breed them.

 

[Half Vaped]

Well when I raised clown fish, there are a few that does not grow. I even keep one and he never get very big. I am sure this is the type of fish you get. I am not sure if they have time to grow these small one up and then breed them.

I never tried raising saltwater fry, but with freshwater, the fish with stunted growth usually have obvious physical deformities. I'm not super keen on the shape of Angels, but the Bonsai CBs don't have that ORA "short-school-bus" look to me.

Since April, Diver's Den has sold six Biota Bonsai CBs, including mine. They've sold maybe twice as many non-Bonsai CBs. If the Bonsai CB is just a stunted growth variety, why don't Biota have Bonsai versions of all their fish?

I contacted Live Aquaria and they told me all they know is that the Bonsai CB is expected to reach a smaller max size. They couldn't give me any exact numbers or anything about their lineage.

Biota suggests adding their captive-bred CBs to their 13.5-gallon Biota Aquariums in addition to the Rainford Goby and Clown pair that are sold with the tank.

http://www.biotaaquariums.com/captive-bred-coral-beauties-stunning-additions-biota-aquarium/

I like to overstock my tanks, but even I have my limits! I can only see this working long term if the Bonsai CBs really do max out at two inches.

The Biota Palau website had two email addresses and they were both undeliverable. I sent an inquiry to Biota Aquariums and am waiting for their response.

 

[Half Vaped]

Kevin Gaines from Biota confirmed that the "Bonsai" Coral Beauties are a separate line through selective breeding:



The Biota “Bonsai” coral beauty is selective breeding. The hatchery in Palau noticed a high number if smaller coral beauties from a certain pair and began to hold them back for broodstock.

I would expect the same longevity and care.

Thank you for your support!

Best Regards,
Kevin Gaines



My Bonsai CB arrived in great shape (aside from its scar) and is eating very well. Now I'm contemplating scoring two more to make a trio.

 

[OrionN]

Good to know
Thanks

 

[velvetelvis]

Thanks for the info. I got my Bonsai last Sat. I'm tempted to try pairing her with another one now.

 

[Nick_Northern]

Thats interesting thanks for the info. I can't help be a bit disappointed that Biota are promoting these for their 13.5g given how active they are and how much they like to explore but I guess they are trying to give people more reason to choose their cb rather than cheaper wc.

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[ca1ore]

I remain skeptical.

 

[velvetelvis]

I remain skeptical.

The BCB owners on this thread will have to post follow-ups. Mine is still tiny, but we'll see!

 

[OrionN]

I would love to see update. I saw a few CB Yellow tangs and I am not convince that I want to buy these YT. I would love to see TR fishes that are reasonably blemish free. I think coloration likely can be correct with been in our (my) aquariums instead of fry grow out tanks from the breeders. However there is no cure for abnormal body shape, shorten fins and the like.
Love to see follow up in 6-12 months. Please keep us update.

 

[ca1ore]

The BCB owners on this thread will have to post follow-ups. Mine is still tiny, but we'll see!

Indeed. I'm not a genetics experts, but certainly certain characteristics can be encouraged through selective breeding. Do these folks have the ability to reliably and repeatedly breed the 'bonsai' offspring? As you say, we shall see.

 

[Nick_Northern]

I would love to see update. I saw a few CB Yellow tangs and I am not convince that I want to buy these YT. I would love to see TR fishes that are reasonably blemish free. I think coloration likely can be correct with been in our (my) aquariums instead of fry grow out tanks from the breeders. However there is no cure for abnormal body shape, shorten fins and the like.
Love to see follow up in 6-12 months. Please keep us update.

I can't speak for the colours on the bonsai variants but 6 months in the standard biota coral beauty I have still has excellent colouration, very vibrant. My cb flame angel is still very small but colouring up nicely too, no blemishes on either fish

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